A 94-year-old Second World War hero from Redhill received a birthday present to treasure as he was awarded France's highest military honour for his part in the D-Day Landings.

Ernest Oakford was awarded the Légion d'honneur at a ceremony in London on Friday November 11 – the same day as his birthday.

Mr Oakford, who lives in Chalkmead care home in Deans Road, Merstham, was presented with the medal alongside 16 other D-Day veterans, during a ceremony at the French Ambassador's Residence in London.

He was accompanied on the special trip by his nephew Graham and his wife Wendy, and was given the honour by French Ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, and the Defence Attaché, Rear Admiral Patrick Chevallereau.

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Omaha Beach

Mr Oakford recalled when he was just 21 and landing on the notorious Omaha Beach – depicted in the Oscar-winning film Saving Private Ryan – on June 6, 1944, as part of the largest seaborne invasion in history, codenamed Operation Overlord.

He said: "I was at D-Day on June 6 with the Yanks on Omaha Beach, on tank landing craft 794.

"We loaded up with vehicles three days before, on the River Dart, in Kent. We left early on the morning of June 6 and joined the thousands of other craft, ships and the like, all with a large air balloon tied onto a deck rail.

"What a sight it was. I had not been on this craft long, but had already chased all over the south of England and been to every port."

17 war veterans attended the ceremony in London

Despite Omaha Beach seeing some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting on D-Day, Mr Oakford survived the assault which led to the eventual libveration of France from the German army.

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'Felt special'

Mr Oakford admitted that he got a little weary because of the travelling but his nephew had a wheelchair for him so he could sit down.

He said: "It felt special for us because Graham had arranged to pick me up on the Thursday and I went up to his place. In the evening some of his friends and his family came with us as he booked dinner for us in Uckfield and I had a few pints.

"I had a great time and I will remember it well."

Before the ceremony, French Ambassador to the UK Mr Bermann sent a letter to Mr Oakford.

It read: "As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France."